590.6(A)(1) Receptacle Outlets Not Part of Permanent Wiring.
Code Change Summary: Code language added to the last sentence of 590.6(A)(1) makes it clear that listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel, identified for portable use shall be permitted.
The additional text added to the code section brings back similar language that was present in the 2008 NEC®. This section is all about temporary jobsite power coming from receptacles that will not be part of permanent wiring once the job is completed. The two examples below represent the most common scenarios for how construction power is used:
- When construction is first started on a large site, an apartment complex for example, a temporary power pole is usually set with GFCI type receptacles to establish basic construction power. These receptacles will not be part of the permanent wiring after the overall construction project has been completed because the power pole will be removed after construction.
- As the apartments near completion and the individual dwelling units receive permanent power from the utility company, the permanent GFCI receptacles in the dwelling unit kitchens can then be used by construction personnel to power their tools during the final trim work before the units are turned over and given a final certificate of occupancy.
In both cases above, GFCI protection for personnel has been provided all through the different stages of construction.
The changes in 590.6(A)(1) apply to example 1 above. Now, listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed GFCI protection for personnel identified for portable use, are once again permitted.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2011 Code Language:
590.6(A)(1) Receptacle Outlets Not Part of Permanent Wiring. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and that are in use by personnel shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
2014 Code Language including TIA 14-6:
Note: Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) 14-6 was issued for 590.6(A)(1) (with an effective date of 9/3/2014) to read as follows:
590.6(A)(1) Receptacle Outlets Not Part of Permanent Wiring. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and that are in use by personnel shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. In addition to this required ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection, listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel identified for portable use shall be permitted.